Introduction to the Respiratory System

Introduction to the Respiratory System

• The respiratory system's key function is to supply oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide.
• It maintains the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.
• The main organs of the respiratory system are the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Combining Forms in Respiratory Terminology

• Pulmon/o, Pneum/o, Pneumon/o: These terms refer to the lungs.
• Pulmonology: The study of lung diseases.
• Pneumonia: An infection causing lung inflammation.
• Bronch/o, Bronchi/o: These terms refer to the bronchial tubes.
• Bronchoscopy: A visual examination of the bronchi.
• Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi.
• Trache/o: Refers to the trachea (windpipe).
• Tracheotomy: Surgical opening into the trachea.
• Thorac/o: Refers to the chest.
• Thoracotomy: Surgical incision into the chest.

Prefixes in Respiratory Terminology

• Tachy-: Fast (e.g., tachypnea - rapid breathing).
• Brady-: Slow (e.g., bradypnea - slow breathing).
• Dys-: Difficult or painful (e.g., dyspnea - difficulty breathing).
• A- or An-: Absence of or without (e.g., apnea - temporary cessation of breathing).

Suffixes in Respiratory Terminology

• -pnea: Refers to breathing (e.g., eupnea - normal breathing).
• -oxia: Refers to oxygen (e.g., hypoxia - low oxygen levels).
• -thorax: Refers to the chest cavity (e.g., pneumothorax - air in the chest cavity).
• -itis: Refers to inflammation (e.g., rhinitis - inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes).

Common Respiratory Conditions

• Asthma: A chronic condition with airway inflammation and narrowing, causing wheezing and shortness of breath.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A progressive lung disease obstructing airflow.
• Emphysema: A form of COPD causing damage to the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs.
• Pneumonia: An infection leading to the inflammation of the alveoli.
• Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection affecting the lungs.

Respiratory System Diagnostic Procedures

• Spirometry: A test used to assess lung function and airflow by measuring the volume of air exhaled.
• Chest X-ray: An imaging technique to examine the lungs and chest cavity.
• Bronchoscopy: An endoscopic technique to visualize the inside of the airways.
• Pulse Oximetry: A non-invasive method to measure oxygen saturation in the blood.

Medical Terminology Related to Respiratory Disorders

• Bronchiectasis: Chronic dilation of the bronchi.
• Pleurodynia: Pain in the pleura (lining of the lungs).
• Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood.
• Orthopnea: Difficulty breathing while lying down.
• Pleuritis: Inflammation of the pleura.

Respiratory Treatments

• Inhalers: Devices used to deliver medication to the lungs for conditions like asthma and COPD.
• Nebulizer Therapy: Converts liquid medication into a mist for easier inhalation.
• Ventilation Support: Use of ventilators to assist or replace breathing.

Case Study: History of Present Illness

• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea), persistent cough, and occasional chest tightness for two months.
• Fatigue and shortness of breath, especially when climbing stairs or during physical exertion.
• Chronic productive cough, often producing thick yellow sputum
• Smoker (one pack per day for 20 years)
• Wheezing (whistling sounds during breathing) and tachypnea (rapid breathing) during episodes of shortness of breath.

Case Study: Physical Examination

• Respiratory Rate: 26 breaths per minute (tachypnea).
• Oxygen Saturation: 88% (hypoxia).
• Lung Auscultation: Wheezing and crackles heard in the lower lobes.
• Chest X-ray: Hyperinflated lungs with evidence of bronchiectasis and emphysema.

Case Study: Diagnostic Procedures

• Spirometry revealed reduced forced expiratory volume (FEV1), confirming COPD.
• Pulse Oximetry showed low blood oxygen levels.
• Sputum Culture tested negative for infections, ruling out pneumonia.
• Diagnosis of COPD with coexisting chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Case Study: Treatment Plan

• Smoking Cessation program to help quit and reduce further lung damage.
• Bronchodilators: Prescribed to open airways and improve airflow.
• Inhaled Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation in the airways.
• Oxygen Therapy: To increase oxygen levels and alleviate hypoxia (low blood oxygen).
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Physical therapy and breathing exercises to improve lung function and stamina.

Explore the fundamental aspects of the respiratory system, including its primary functions of oxygen supply and carbon dioxide removal. Learn about key organs and specialized terminology related to respiratory health. This quiz will enhance your understanding of respiratory anatomy and related medical terms.